Two-time Pro Bowl tight end Chris Cooley told reporters Tuesday he is no longer part of the Washington Redskins.

"The Washington Redskins are releasing me today," Cooley said, via the team's official website. "This is my last day as a Redskin."

Cooley has spent all eight of his NFL seasons with the Redskins since being drafted in the third round out of Utah State in 2004. In his best years, including an All-Pro nod in '05, Cooley was a versatile, good-hands pass catcher who played tight end and H-back while serving as a reliable safety valve for the team's revolving door of quarterbacks.

With the emergence of tight end Fred Davis and the free-agent addition of wide receiver Pierre Garcon, Cooley became the odd man out. Cooley also has battled significant injuries over the past three years, including a broken ankle ('09), a balky left knee ('10) and broken finger ('11). He fully recovered from knee surgery only this offseason.

Cooley (6-3, 243) said he was grateful for his long tenure in Washington and is hopeful but realistic about continuing his NFL career with another team at age 30. He has 428 receptions for 4,703 yards and 33 touchdowns.

"I'm very fortunate to have played for a team and a fan base that have embraced me like they have," Cooley said. "This team changed my life.

"I have every belief that I can still play football at a high level. I'll take some time—not sure I could wear another jersey."

While Davis was elevated to the No. 1 tight end on the Redskins' depth chart, coach Mike Shanahan called the release of Cooley "as tough as it gets" and giving Cooley an opportunity to latch on elsewhere.

"We all know what Chris means to this organization," Shanahan said. "He's a guy that we've leaned on a lot since I've been here."

Moving on from Cooley is a sign the Redskins are going full speed ahead with a younger, more dynamic passing game around rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III, the No. 2 overall pick in the draft.